Gratitude

Last night’s Silent Auction was a resounding success. Im so humbled and honestly relieved that it all came together. I’ve never organized an event like that and it was way out of my comfort zone.

But first, some background.

This time last year, I was just starting to ride my bike again. In late June 2014, I was on top of the world. I had just finished 15th overall at the North Star Grand Prix NRC race, 8th in the infamous Stillwater Citerium. But it came at a cost. My saddle slipped backwards on the rails in the middle of the 114 mile stage to Menomonie WI. That combined with the 24 trips up the 24% Chilkoot Hill during the following Stillwater stage was enough to make riding all but impossible. I could only pedal 15 pedal strokes before it became too painful.

After 2 frustrating months of “I don’t know what’s wrong,” something clicked (but thats a whole different blog). All of a sudden I could ride again, and I dove headfirst into training and eventually racing again. I was able to have a phenomenal cyclocross season given the 2 months off the bike and it gave me the confidence to start my own team and give it a go.

Back to the present.

From the beginning, my friend Nicole and I were going to get in the car, somehow, some way get to the race and give’er 100%. Trying to stay true to that initial “hell or high water” mindset, this team as adapted, changed and grown into something way bigger than myself.

One year later, I’m healthy, stronger than Ive ever been, and loaded with a ton of motivation to show the cyclocross world what I’m capable of.

Each and every person who has contributed either monetarily, with parts, with encouragement, with a kind word, or even an instagram “like" is the driving force behind the team. I have your names written on my heart and its going to give me the extra power when Im deep into a freezing cold, muddy cross race.